Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel preparing for marriage, not a run for governor

Macomb County is about to get its first First Lady, as County Executive Mark Hackel announced Thursday that he is engaged to be married.

Hackel proposed to Tracie Damschroder of Shelby Township on Christmas Day morning. They've been dating for eight years. She's 31 years old, he's 50. Damschroder is a quality control specialist for auto parts manufacturer Faurecia in Troy.

At a Thursday auto show event featuring the Big Four regional leaders, each was asked about any personal moments of pride they experienced in 2012.

Macomb County's first exec responded: "Well, I see my staff over there to the side laughing their heads off. This is an uncomfortable moment. So, I'm just going to give it - I got engaged on Christmas Day."

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Hackel, who, in tabloid terms, would probably be considered one of Macomb County's "most eligible bachelors," said a wedding date has not been set. He told reporters that he met Damschroder at Macomb Community College, where he used to teach classes, and they have been dating for eight years since.

The former county sheriff had a second newsworthy announcement: He will not run for governor in 2014. The Macomb Township Democrat said he plans to run for re-election as county executive in two years when his current term is up.

"Macomb is my home," he told the crowd of 500 gathered for the Detroit Economic Club luncheon in the basement of Cobo Center in Detroit.

The high-profile executive's name has appeared on virtually every list compiled in recent weeks speculating about possible candidates for the '14 Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and some pundits had placed him near the top of the heap.

Despite his short-term plans, Hackel did not rule out the prospect of running for governor in 2018. If the '14 election produces another four years for Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, the '18 campaign would be wide open, with no incumbent, due to term limits.